Deputy Headteacher with Curriculum Responsibility
Deputy Headteacher with Curriculum Responsibility
Location: Selwyn Hall School, Foxton, Cambridge
Salary: From £45,000, depending on experience
Contract: Full Time, Permanent
Start Date: ASAP
Are you a compassionate and inclusive leader who can foster a culture of trust where everyone feels valued? Do you possess an empathetic nature and therapeutic mindset that will build positive, meaningful relationships and work cooperatively with staff to create an inclusive and emotionally safe learning environment? Are you skilled at working collaboratively, seeking input from colleagues and being open to guidance from the broader leadership team?
If so, we warmly invite you to apply for the role of Deputy Headteacher with Curriculum Responsibility at Selwyn Hall School.
About Us
At Selwyn Hall School, we provide high-quality, inclusive education for children with a wide range of special educational needs and disabilities (SEND), including autism, ADHD, FASD and complex communication needs. As part of the Polaris Community, we are dedicated to creating safe, supportive environments that prioritise student wellbeing and promote positive, therapeutic behaviour management strategies.
The Role
We are seeking a caring, forward-thinking leader to join our team as Deputy Headteacher with Curriculum Responsibility. In this role, you will:
- Ensure high-quality teaching and learning across the school, with a focus on inclusion and differentiated instruction for SEND students
- Assess, monitor, record and report on the learning needs, progress and achievements of pupils
- Participate in arrangements for preparing pupils for external examinations
- Support whole-school organisation, strategy and development of the curriculum
- Contribute to the development, implementation and evaluation of the school’s policies, practices and procedures in such a way as to support the school’s values and vision
- Work with others on curriculum and/or pupil development to secure co-ordinated outcomes
- Use your expertise to promote a therapeutic approach to behaviour and emotional wellbeing
- Collaborate with staff, parents and external professionals to ensure the best outcomes for students
- Manage and support staff teams, fostering a culture of cooperation, flexibility and continuous improvement
- Work closely with other leaders within the Polaris Community to share best practice and ensure alignment with our ethos
What We’re Looking For
The ideal candidate will have:
- Qualified Teacher Status (QTS) with experience in SEND
- Secondary teaching experience and experience of Exams Officer role preferred
- Experience of delivering a high-quality curriculum with a focus on supporting young people with SEND
- A strong understanding of behaviour management, providing calm, therapeutic guidance to young people whose actions may be shaped by ACEs and trauma, helping them feel safe, understood and able to regulate
- Experience in leading and managing teams with a compassionate and therapeutic approach
- Excellent communication and collaboration skills, with the ability to work inclusively with staff, students and families
- Works positively and proactively within a team, recognising and valuing others’ strengths, bringing a can-do attitude, and empowering colleagues to take the lead so shared goals are achieved with confidence and ownership
- A proactive, adaptable and positive attitude, able to set up new systems and processes aligned with the school’s values and ethos
- Previous senior or middle leadership experience
What We Offer
- A unique opportunity to shape curriculum development and SEND provision
- A supportive and collaborative leadership team
- Professional development opportunities within the Polaris Community
- A chance to make a real difference to the lives of children with complex needs
- The chance to work with the most wonderful children and a dedicated, passionate team who strive to provide the highest quality education and rich extra-curricular experiences, ensuring every child feels inspired, supported and able to thrive
How to Apply
If you are a caring, inclusive leader with a passion for SEND and a commitment to creating a therapeutic learning environment, we would love to hear from you.
Please submit your CV and cover letter to Zoe.Chittenden@polariscommunity.co.uk or call Zoe on 07920 212308 for an informal chat.
Join us in making a difference at Selwyn Hall School. We look forward to hearing from you.
Selwyn Hall School is an equal opportunities employer and positively encourages applications from suitably qualified and eligible candidates.
The successful candidate will be required to complete an enhanced DBS check, the cost of which will be met by Selwyn Hall School.
Selwyn Hall School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, young people and vulnerable adults and expects all staff to share this commitment.
